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Clean and Tidy

There's just something about a clean and tidy home
that doesn't compare to any amount of decorating.

I get such a good feeling when the house is (relatively) clean and organized. 
Over the years, I have learned that 'good enough' is 'good enough'.
Believe me, my house is no way near spotless, but at this moment
 I feel satisfied that it is 'good enough'.

~ kitchen counters are shiny and clear of crumbs and sticky stuff ~


~ table is cleared off with a simple centerpiece ~


~ bathroom is clean with a fresh hand towel ~


~ beds are made ~


~ and everything (mostly) is in it's place ~


I'm learning that I should spend a little more time enjoying the things
I have and a little less time on the decorating, rearranging, projects, etc.

I'm trying to be better at setting good priorities for myself so my
 mind will feel less chaotic and my life will be less stressful!

Do you all know what I mean?
Isn't it just so easy to get distracted from the things we need
 to do to keep our homes and families running smoothly?

I would love to hear your thoughts or tips 
 on how you stay on top of things!!

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY WONDERFUL
 LONG WEEKEND!



Comments

  1. JoAnne, your home is so pretty. I completely agree with you about a clean and organized home. I've been feeling the same way - that I need to spend more time keeping my house in shape and less time working on decorating projects. More time focused on the family and less time focused on decor. I feel like I can truly relax when the house is clean and tidy!

    ReplyDelete
  2. When I've read your words I've thought you have read my thoughts, It is exactly what I think. And something else, when I see in a blog like yours that everything is in the correct place, immediately I feel the will of tidying my own house. Thank your for sharing your thoughts

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  3. I so know what you mean JoAnne! Once the kids go back to school on Wednesday my main focus is going to be getting things organized instead of "fluffing" the house. Your home always looks beautiful!

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  4. ahhhh, your home looks so nice! I have been so busy preparing the new storefront, I've let my house chores slide a little so I am spending the day cleaning and tidying up around here! Your home is quite the inspiration for everything to find its place! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You have such a lovely home, Joanne...and I understand completely what you mean.

    Unfortunately as much as I love blogging it hasn't helped me keep things perfectly done at home......as much as I wish to have more hours in a day it isn't going to happen.

    So I am trying to prioritize better myself.

    Excuse me while I log off to go fold the clean clothes...........

    Have a truly wonderful holiday weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is always my intention to come home from work and clean for an hour or two so that the weekends will be free but somehow it just never seems to work out and I never can stay on top of things. There's just way to much dust to contend with in this desert country. Everything sure looks neat and tidy and clean in your neck of the woods. Have a great weekend. Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous9/01/2012

    Your home is so pretty. I do understand what you're saying, I was spending nearly all my time blogging but suddenly, I woke up and realized that wasn't how I wanted to spend my entire life. So I'm branching out into life again. My arthritis makes it hard to keep things clean, for now my 16-y-o daughter helps, thankful for that. I guess keeping house is something we all struggle with in one way or another. Thanks for sharing from your heart. Mary

    ReplyDelete
  8. As I was scrolling thru your wonderful pictures and enjoying seeing your very nice home I was noticing alot of little objects you have and wishing they were mine. Sorry about that but it's true. I love seeing people's homes and get alot of great ideas of what to do with things I have to make little changes.
    It's hard to keep your home constantly "perfect" or even in good shape. I could vacuum every day and I'd still need to the next day as we have a wonderful furry kid that sheds endlessly. I could keep him outside but he's one of two furry kidz we have. Also have a cat so the two of them keep me busy cleaning up. I have alot of time since I'm an old lady now but do have things I'd rather be doing than cleaning, like crafting. So glad you realize there are more important things to consider. Thnks for sharing a feeling I think many of us must have.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous9/02/2012

    You're so right. we can get so distracted or I can doing the stuff! It really does give you a sense of peace having things clean and neat. Your home is so pretty.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  10. When my home is not organized and clean I start feeling all out of sorts. Which is how I have felt the past while... I can't wait to finish our upstairs so I can start organizing and deep cleaning! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I, too, love how it feels when the house is completely clean! It really is a good feeling.
    When the house starts getting untidy, I feel everything start to unravel. Weird, but true.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I too love my home to be neat and tidy. I cannot relax if there is clutter anywhere. When everything has a place, life just runs more smoothly. Everything is your home looks so fresh and clean! Love your simple yet beautiful style Joanne!

    Gloria

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Joanne, I don't have any amazing tips, but I have learned over the years that if I target one specific thing (such as cleaning off my desk in the living room) for, say, Saturday morning before 8:30 a.m., I usually get it done. That makes me feel better and I will usually (but not always) move on to a few other tidy chores. Chores will always be with us. One wouldn't think that a house with one person living in it would have a clutter issue, or have a seemingly endless list of chores calling for attention every work day, every night, and 24/7 on the weekkends; one would be wrong :) At this point in my life (I turned 61 a few weeks ago), I would rather spend what's left of the warm summer/early fall weekends out on the deck with a glass of wine and my feet up, with a bag of peanuts to feed the squirrels and chippies who keep me entertained so well! Soon enough there will be lots of time inside because of the winter weather to get all the chores and anti-clutter duties done. I hired a woman who comes in once a week and vacuums, dusts and mops floors for me, etc. She is a treasure. I have such FREEDOM now from the "drudge" stuff, leaving me more time and energy to clean out my bookshelves, for instance, and after 2 years I finally put the finishing touches on the upstair bath. When the balance is "housework or blogging, blogging or housework" -- blogging wins every time :) As long as I'm not living in dirt (and I'm not), not having a perfect house is just fine with me!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ohhh. I totally agree, lets try not to stress, to have everything JUST PERFECT, lets just have it JUST RIGHT!!! I am always trying too hard.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous4/30/2013

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    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous5/05/2013

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